Television

VeriSign elects Star's Guthrie to board of directors

MUMBAI: VeriSign, Inc., a provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the internet and telecommunications networks, has appointed Star Group CEO Michelle Guthrie to its board of directors.

With over a decade of experience in the pay television industry, Guthrie brings to VeriSign her wide-ranging knowledge of media, technology, law and business development.

VeriSign CEO and chairman Stratton Sclavos said, "Consumer demand for real-time information and entertainment over mobile and broadband networks is increasing exponentially on a global basis. Michelle's track record in building successful content and distribution relationships in both Europe and Asia will be an invaluable asset in VeriSign's long range strategy to build and operate the world's premier digital content utility."

"As personalisation and consumption of communications increase the demand for intelligent infrastructure services, VeriSign's role is enhanced. VeriSign sits in such a unique position in so many markets fundamental to digital communications, content and commerce. I look forward to adding my voice to the VeriSign Board and continuing the corporation's exciting journey," said Guthrie.

Guthrie joined Star in June 2000. She was appointed senior vice president, business development in January 2001 and was promoted to executive vice president for regional distribution and business development in June 2003, in charge of the operations of markets across the South East Asian region, as well as identifying growth opportunities and cementing new partnerships for the company. Guthrie was appointed CEO of Star in November 2003.

She has 10 years of experience in the pay television industry, notably at FoxTel in Australia and BSkyB in the UK. Before joining News Corporation in 1994, Guthrie was a lawyer at Allen, Allen & Hemsley in Sydney and Singapore, where she focused on the media and technology sector. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of joint venture companies Phoenix Satellite Television and China Network Systems.